The effects of a 12-week leisure centre-based, group exercise intervention for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled pilot study

Clinical Rehabilitation, 05/02/2012Learmonth YC et al.

The results of the study suggest that community–based group exercise classes are a feasible option for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis, and offer benefits such as improved physical activity levels, balance and leg strength.

Methods

Randomised controlled pilot trial.

Two community leisure centres.

Thirty-two participants with multiple sclerosis randomised into intervention or control groups.

The intervention group received 12 weeks of twice weekly, 60-minute group exercise sessions, including mobility, balance and resistance exercises.

The control group received usual care.

An assessor blinded to group allocation assessed participants at baseline, after eight weeks and after 12 weeks.